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Several hundred First Nations people walked across the border into Cornwall on Saturday to protest government infringement on their rights.

The bridges connecting Canada and the U.S. to Cornwall Island were closed for more than three hours during the march in support of the Idle No More movement.

There were several similar events across the country on Saturday, shutting down other major bridges and highways.

“We want to wake everyone up,” said Jose Verdugo, one of the organizers of Cornwall’s protest.

The Idle No More campaign is aimed at stopping Bill C-45, the Harper government’s omnibus budget bill, which includes amendments that First Nations officials fear would allow private developers greater access to reserve lands.

“They’ll take our natural resources,” said Verdugo. “...Our job as First Nations is to wake up first. We were put here to protect the land, the water. We were put here ... to protect Mother Earth.”

Members of several reserves joined Akwesasne residents in the protest, which included a round dance in the city’s traffic circle.

“We had a lot of support today, which was nice,” said Verdugo.

Many participants carried signs and flags, while others beat on drums and sang; children and young adults made up a large contingent.

“We want the youth to wake up, too,” said Verdugo. “This is their fight now.... It’s their turn to stand up.”

Nevada Sherow, a 21-year-old from Akwesasne, agreed that the younger generation should take on the cause from their elders.

“I hope people will hear us out,” she said of the protest. “We’re hoping they will let us be our own government and leave us alone. We want them to let us do our own thing.”

Sherow said her family has a history of activism, often traveling to other reserves to support important causes.

But one Akwesasne man said he was concerned with the influx of protesters to Akwesasne who may have had their own agendas.

“It’s not an easy thing to do,” he said of the show of unity. “Everybody has a different thing.”

The man, who goes by his former wrestling moniker Destroyer 2, said he hopes the government will still hear a clear message from all of the Idle No More activities.